ఉన్నమాట అంటే ఉలుకెక్కువ.

unnamata ante ulukekkuva.

Translation

If the truth is spoken, the jumpiness (sensitivity) is greater.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone reacts defensively or gets offended when an unpleasant truth is pointed out. It implies that a person feels guilty or irritated because the statement made about them is actually true.

Related Phrases

The woman who gets startled is often sulky, and the woman with a swelling has more pain.

This proverb describes human nature and physical reality. It implies that a person with a guilty conscience or a sensitive nature is easily offended or reactive (sulky), just as a person with a physical ailment (like a boil or swelling) naturally feels more pain. It is often used to describe someone who reacts defensively or takes offense easily because they know they are in the wrong or are overly sensitive.

When requested, 'Mother-in-law, mother-in-law, please serve some food,' she replied, 'I will apply lime (chunam) instead.'

This proverb describes a situation where a person expects help or kindness but receives something harmful or insulting in return. It highlights the behavior of mean-spirited or heartless people who mock others' genuine needs or suffering instead of showing empathy.

If you tell the truth, the whole village hates you; but if the truth is told, one cannot help but react.

This proverb is used to describe how people often dislike hearing the blunt truth because it is uncomfortable or exposes their flaws. It highlights that while honesty might make you unpopular (the 'village' becomes an enemy), the truth is so impactful that it cannot be ignored or dismissed easily by the person it concerns.

If truth is said, offence is taken.

People are not ready to accept unpleasant (uncomplimentary) truths about themselves. They instantly become angry. It is always a true friend that tells us our faults and helps us correct our conduct. It is the flatterer who hides the truth and cheats us.

Life is less, salary is more

This expression refers to a situation where a job or a person involves very little physical effort or productivity, yet receives a high salary or compensation. It is often used to comment on laziness or overpaid positions where the output does not justify the pay.

A man starts with anger when the truth is told of him. It is truth that makes a man angry. (Italian.)

This expression is used when someone reacts defensively, angrily, or becomes startled because a bitter truth about them has been revealed. It is similar to the English proverb 'The truth hurts' or 'If the shoe fits, wear it.'

An empty pot shakes (sways) more.

This proverb is used to describe people who have little knowledge or substance but make the most noise or display excessive arrogance. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'Empty vessels make the most noise.' It suggests that those who are truly capable or knowledgeable remain calm and steady, while those lacking substance tend to overcompensate with boastful behavior.

If you speak the truth, even the village of Unduru will not welcome you.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where speaking the blunt truth makes one unpopular or unwelcome. It suggests that people often prefer pleasant lies over harsh realities, and the person who dares to speak the truth often faces social rejection or hostility.

The one from a lower caste/status has more vanity.

This proverb is used to describe people who lack substance, character, or high status but try to overcompensate by being overly showy, boastful, or excessively concerned with outward appearances and fashion.

A lowly person has more pride; a small measure of rice overflows more when boiled.

This proverb is used to criticize people with limited abilities or status who show excessive arrogance or vanity. It compares their behavior to a small pot of rice that foams over easily, suggesting that true greatness is humble while shallow people boast the most.